Gavin is Barkuma’s first participant in the Board Observership Program, and his contribution is already making waves. With a strong focus on learning, leadership, and advocacy, Gavin brings lived experience and a fresh perspective to boardroom conversations.
Getting Started: From Subcommittee to Full Board
Gavin began his journey with the SSQ&R Subcommittee, where he was introduced to the inner workings of board governance.
“That was my first one,” Gavin said.
“We talk about incidents and where client feedback is coming from… and what things can be done.”
He quickly progressed to attending general board meetings, where strategic and financial planning were front and centre.
“We learned about the next strategic plan and the five-year financial plan,” Gavin explained.
“It’s actually been really good.”
Learning the Structure and Language of Governance
Gavin has embraced the opportunity to understand how decisions are made and how roles are structured within a board.
“You’ve got your board chair, and then members underneath. That drills down to the CEO, who makes the decisions if the paper’s going through,” he said.
“Everyone has a different role within the board or subcommittee.”
He’s also completed online learning modules, covering topics such as board roles, financial literacy, and the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit organisations.
“I had a whole week off, so I decided to scratch off nearly two units in one hit,” Gavin said.
“I started learning how financial tables work… red means bad, green means good, and black means we’re in the good range.”
Balancing Commitments and Building Routine
Time management was initially a challenge, but Gavin found a rhythm that works.
“At first it was hard to find time for training and board meetings,” he admitted.
“But then I realised it’s doable — like doing one hour a week. The videos are only an hour long, so I can smash through a lot of them in one hit if I’ve got the time.”
He continues the learning between work and other commitments, showing strong dedication to his development.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Peer Workers and Employment Pathways
Gavin is passionate about helping others grow. He’s particularly focused on supporting peer workers who are interested in stepping into leadership roles.
“A lot of them said they want a supervisor role in the future,” Gavin said.
“Hopefully we can figure out a way to get a program where they can move into more responsibility.”
He’s also involved in a workshop progressing the Structural Adjustment Fund project, which is aimed at helping clients progress in their employment journey. “We’re learning how we can get clients going to the next level in their employment — because that will actually help us as well. So knowing how that’s going to be implemented would be really good.”
Welcoming Environment and Board Engagement
Gavin has found the board members to be welcoming and supportive throughout his Observership experience. Reflecting on his early involvement, he shared,
“All of them have been really welcoming. Especially now we’ve got one who’s retiring at the end of this year, and someone else is taking his place. She’s done really well.”
Since the Board of Conversations was held in February as a platform for Board Members to engage in open discussions directly with clients, Gavin has observed a genuine openness to feedback and a willingness to improve.
“I’ve learned a lot from that — seeing how they’re actually listening to what people are saying in different parts of the business.”
This responsiveness has reinforced Gavin’s belief in the value of client voice and the importance of inclusive governance.
Creating Accountability and Amplifying Voices
Gavin sees his role as not just observational, but influential. He’s proud to be part of a board that listens and responds to feedback.
“They’re actually saying, we can be doing things better, by hearing from the people we work with,” he said.
“Now we’ve got someone on the inside — who knows what’s going on and is actually working with them — that’s really good to see.”
He’s also committed to amplifying the voices of clients and ensuring their perspectives are heard.
“I’ve already proven I’ll speak to the Barkuma Voice Groups and share their stories directly with the board”, Gavin said.
Conclusion: A Voice That Matters
Gavin’s journey as a Board Observer is a powerful example of how lived experience can enrich governance. His insights, commitment, and advocacy are helping shape a more inclusive and responsive organisation.
“That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do for a long time,” Gavin said.
“It’s good I can finally get somewhere — and take the learnings from this and learn even more still.”
Read more – Empowering Change – Barkuma’s First Board Observer, Gavin Partridge